It seems to have enough power to run the radio and all the lights, power windows+locks. Got a little spark when attaching the negative after the positive was hooked.
Battery Question
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New User
Joined: Apr 2012
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Battery Question
Hi all! Possibly a dumb question but I'm not sure where else to go?
I have a 93 Flareside, I had a really old battery in it. I actually can't believe it has lasted this long (over a year!) considering I got it cheap (15$) to temporarily replace a dead battery until I could afford a new one. But it just kept on going so I left it alone. X_X
I removed the battery today to replace a headlight. When I reconnected the battery the truck would not crank. It initially tried to turn over but couldn't then upon a second and third try I just got the dreaded clicking noise. This was 20-25 minutes after having no problem starting the truck, driving it 15 miles then shutting it off.
So my question is... Could a battery be so bad that disconnecting it for a brief amount of time (10 minutes max) can kill the charge? And if so, how does keeping it connected prevent it from dying?
Thanks!
I have a 93 Flareside, I had a really old battery in it. I actually can't believe it has lasted this long (over a year!) considering I got it cheap (15$) to temporarily replace a dead battery until I could afford a new one. But it just kept on going so I left it alone. X_X
I removed the battery today to replace a headlight. When I reconnected the battery the truck would not crank. It initially tried to turn over but couldn't then upon a second and third try I just got the dreaded clicking noise. This was 20-25 minutes after having no problem starting the truck, driving it 15 miles then shutting it off.
So my question is... Could a battery be so bad that disconnecting it for a brief amount of time (10 minutes max) can kill the charge? And if so, how does keeping it connected prevent it from dying?
Thanks!
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New User
Joined: Apr 2012
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I did not, I went negative first. I've hear about that creating a ground through all the vehicle and being able to shock you but I've never experienced that problem before. 
(not yet anyway! X_X)
Could doing it in that order drain the battery?
(not yet anyway! X_X)Could doing it in that order drain the battery?
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 629
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From: VT
Maybe the battery is falling apart on the inside, and just the movement of disconnecting it and taking it out of the truck caused an internal short. 
Have you tried charging it? If it won't take a charge that's probably what the problem is.
Have you tried charging it? If it won't take a charge that's probably what the problem is.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
If you have a volt meter check the voltage across the terminals of the battery and report back. When you disconnected it did you completely disconnect it? Including the positive?
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Yeah I completely disconnected it. Positive and negative and set it down on the ground so I could get to the headlight easier from inside the hood.
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Thanks Evan, much appreciated for all the help! I'll see what I can do tomorrow in getting it running with a jump or something to get it to my fathers. My wife should be home from work soon so I'll see if my little theory about getting it running and somewhat charged (and staying that way because it stays connected) works.
I'm hoping worst case scenario is I need a new battery. I'd be okay with that.
Though I have replaced my started and alternator time and time again on this truck. My father bought it new and passed it on to me... always had electrical problems for some reason!
I'm hoping worst case scenario is I need a new battery. I'd be okay with that.
Though I have replaced my started and alternator time and time again on this truck. My father bought it new and passed it on to me... always had electrical problems for some reason!
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: ottawa illinois
Possible I guess? I mean it is pretty old and beaten up. I guess it could just be shot.
I'll have to try that tomorrow when I have access to my fathers garage. Recently moved and nearly everything except a set of basic mechanic tools I carry around is there.
Yeah I completely disconnected it. Positive and negative and set it down on the ground so I could get to the headlight easier from inside the hood.
I'll have to try that tomorrow when I have access to my fathers garage. Recently moved and nearly everything except a set of basic mechanic tools I carry around is there.
Yeah I completely disconnected it. Positive and negative and set it down on the ground so I could get to the headlight easier from inside the hood.
the way i took it you bought a used battery and then intern had a full year out of it . most battery s have a life span of 2 - 3 years depending on what conditions like weather you live .
for example . i lived in phoenix az for a spell and a car battery would last around a year do to the heat . now i live in Illinois where you never know whats going to happen and my battery last the full 2 -3 years
what i can tell is two things if you set it on concrete you killed what cells it had left and hooking the neg up first then pos jolts the cells and could of done more damage.
try and throw a charge to it and hope for the best expect the worst . hope all is well for ya
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
Um... That only applied to old age, rubber cased batteries. Modern batteries will not do that so im not thinking that was an issue. I do agree with trying to charge the battery if it tests low. But if it does test bad, I would personally just get a new one.